Not really beneficial. When the loans are going through IMF and inflationary programs from chinese hands. So, the alternative to the west is no different to the west. The only alternative for Africa is Africa itself.
@@walkyelouidor4012 The west is no different my friend. This video which solely focuses on China, which I am talking about the case of China in Africa!
Africa's alternative is Africa itself. Africa must rise without seeking the help of other nations. Nations have no friends only interests, so letting other nations 'help' will only further their interests, not the interests of Africans. View international trade as something that must be mutually beneficial, don't let other nations take over.
I’d say option A. And Africa better remember the counsel of King Solomon: The borrower is servant to the lender. Your videos are very good, by the way.
i agree but...there is other side of the coin - if u r in debt 1 000 $ - u have a problem but if u r in debt f.e. 1 000 000 $ - somebody who lent u money has a problem...if u know what i mean.
To be obvious here, the problem onny occurs if the lenders can secure or at least know that the loans will be payed back, for whatever means necessary. If that isn't the case, and they lend more than they can afford to lose, problems will arise. It's always a double edged sword. But, to be honest, I can't see the problem until have past around 20 years from now. A 4% interest rate with no changes in minimum wage can do serious harm to everyone's economy in that period
@@gabrielaristoi7451 the lender then comes along and take ownership of the new port, factories, buildings etc that their money was used to build, usually by the Chinese workers in the first place. They are being leant money to go straight back into China's pocket to build everything and then, once built and payments not kept, they have to give all to China.
From the Chinese perspective, it is actually a win-win deal: If they don't pay the loan, we will own the project. The key here is to only take loans that we know we can pay back!
High risk high reward. These projects took a huge toll on chinese debt burden, at current 18% of GDP china could have a severe recession if 40% of domestic non performing loans happened during transitioning into consumption based economy. The looming (name here) wars with the west, oh boy, china will regress to 1960s if investment in africa are in default because those resources flooding the china faster than china can process them
4 года назад
There is no win win. There is win lose. China loves spewing that win win bs.
@ It is win-win for people who work smart and hard. It is win-lose for people who are lazy and naive. It is like you are dumping all your savings into the stock market and think you will double your money in 2 weeks.
@ How is it 'bs' when the factual evidence shows Chinese investments are helping the backbone of many sub-saharan countries grow rapidly? You'd have to be a dunce to deny factual proof of the matter.
@@neinno8172 And with what money will the African nations pay China back? The CCP doesn't care about the well-being of other nations, only their exploitation. You're not able to pay us back for the harbor? Well, then it's ours!
Excellent and objective breakdown, too many people either rule all bad or all good. No one wants to talk about the job growth, economic investment and domestic worker population. With that said tho, let us not be naive, let’s continue to monitor their actions and make sure they abide by correct environmental standards , provide workers with correct working conditions and not fall for a debt loan trap . Cheers, can’t wait to watch more
Agreed. I feel that for Africa and all her people and respective countries, no deals should be made that could ever put them into an economic trap, or any business deal that will not put African citizens’ interests and wellbeing first. I’ve watched most of the other videos on this channel and my heart breaks for Africans dealing with so much adversity and struggle. Business should not be approached with a zero-sum intent, because to do so hides how much we are all interconnected. The goal of maximizing profits obscures the fact that cooperation is necessary (or at least will be) for our survival as a species on this planet. This might sound hokey and philosophical to say but we are all in this together and fighting over things is not the answer. I can sit here and talk about this all day, but if Africa were to put an Africa first policy in place at least temporarily for the sake of leveling the playing field and achieving selfreliance, I would personally understand. Shoot I might even sound contradictory here, but no one can question the fact that Africa has gotten the short end of the proverbial stick in this big giant human experiment called life.
Dear NewAfrica, Thank you for these short evidence based and informative videos. They provide great starters for anyone wishing to get beyond trivial and cliched talking points and engage in the realities and complexities of inter African relations and the challenges and opportunities Africans peoples face going forward.
Another powerful and insightful video, thank you. What appears to be the issue regarding China’s funding of infrastructure projects being tied to the projects in the resources there in, is that the African nations have to go along with it. Unless, other African nations who could have indirect or ancillary benefits from the Projects would also pledge capital to ensure loan repayment. For example, a railroad project which could link two or three countries could be funded by Africa, but all 3 countries could share in the debt. Thereby eliminating the risk of loan repayments to just one country. These and other “collective risk sharing options” should be explored as a mean of bringing countries together and strengthen the economic interest of the neighboring countries. Just a thought.
I actually had an idea that will probably won't happen, but what just for sake of speculation and fun: A railway that connects all African nations together.
@genuinely unique Globalisation. You could apply the same argument to other continents. If China cuts off trade with America, then that would drastically harm both of their economies. What would happen if an entire continent cut off trade with the world?
By Chinese law all private companies above a certain size are obligated to have a communist party official in their board meetings. Even if they are private companies, the state is strongly involved. It watches their economic activity and can sabotage it if it deems so fit.
So what is a solution for Africa, how do they move forward,,because without good infrastructure their nation will not grow and the people will suffer more. Road building for eg can save life’s as well as connect businesses and industries for fast transport of good.
Please help support our growth by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/NewAfrica You can also support us by making a donation here: paypal.me/NewAfricaDonate?locale.x=en_GB Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreNewAfrica
China wants our resources, they want our coal, our precious metals, our iron and everything else to fuel their infrastructure. It's why people are worried about this debt trap potentiality.
@@admech590 factual, the west directly exploited africa, but china uses the facade of helping african nations develop with the goal of exploiting africa, which imo, as someone of chinese descent, is very typical of what they are like
Africa needs more people like Thomas Sankara. Africans need to get rid of their corrupted leaders and impose their conditions to foreign powers so that they may prosper while keeping their sovereignty.
The US have their own interests in stirring negative perceptions against China. That being said, underestimate the Chinese at your own peril, as just because the US argument might be biased does not make it inherently erroneous.
It's just a matter of time before 🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳 will claim official ownership of the continent. There's simply no way that I would keep giving a capital defaulter extra loans if I don't have an ulterior motive in mind.
No way. China knows better than anyone about exploitation. You think the century of humiliation was not enough? Plus claiming ownership on the continent is far fetched. If you ever tried ruling a country as vast as the USA, India or China, it is already enough, they do not need more, it will simply destabilise the country. As shown by the USA falling to deal with its domestic issues in full during the cold war.
Comrade of the Balance first of all, no, after people were exploited, some individuals from these groups still desire to exploit others for their own benefits, often their own brothers. Because usually if a person is greedy and cruel, there is no such a thing as solidarity in his mind. Second of all, these Chinese politicians themselves were never exploited. Nor were their people exploited by a foreign power for - well - pretty long time. One may point out at the Japanese, but that was only temporary occupation of some of the Chinese land, rather than outright colonial exploitation for decades or even generations. So the closest thing i can think of - were the opium wars and trade domination by the Europeans. Which, again, ain’t truly an exploitation - especially if you look at such great examples as colonial africa. In any case, current people of china don’t remember any foreign exploitation, and would not understand the africans about it. So even if Chinese politicians would act according to the will and beliefs of their people - which i doubt - they wouldn’t feel any kinship to the africans on this point. Third of all, let’s think it would destabilize the country, alright. But do you really think people always act logically and rationally? Oh, hell no. It is no rare case of people recklessly rushing for their ambitions and extra wealth, taking the craziest risks there are. So i don’t think such a possibility would stop them from going for it. Fourth of all, maybe it wouldn’t destabilize them at all. Two countries - France and Great Britain - with the exception of few little states like Belgium or Italy - have controlled Africa for almost a century. So is it really hard to project power onto a big landmass as long as it is weekly developed (compared to you)? Maybe not, it seems. Although the example could be outdated, but still. And finally - i swear, - fifth of all, controlling the entire continent may not be as hard as you think, as long as you have large, prepared and skillful army of bureaucrats, have secured the key infrastructure (the very thing China does right now), and focus on few points in these lands. Particularly, keep an eye on the local political party and secure its loyalty, produce and transport the natural resources ti the factories - or simply sell them, - and industrialize Africa only to keep them in this state, as they would take China’s place as the world’s factory, but, obviously, benefiting rather China (economically) rather than themselves as China would dominate Africa’s economics.
All the funds and loans what the African governments needs should be from inside Africa. For this thing to be happen the AU should be strong. We need financially strong African Development Bank (ADB), and we need also to see a single currency (the Afro) and one common passport soon. And lastly we needs a pan-African military force like NATO to protect our land. Africa Should be united. i need to see the United States of Africa!
All this is just smoke screen, most of the factories are run by Chinese,who treats African as low life, Africa has no friends,Africa is rake with corrupted leaders,so China is just taking advantage,but they are going pay the price,the African at home and abroad is waking up to to this con game,
the afro seems like a great idea but it needs to be taken with caution so it won't end up like the EU or end up debting one of africa's poor nations into intense debt to who ever runs the AU,and the army idea could most likely work like an regional force consisted of the largest armies in the region i guess
Excellent point, but with likes of Mehmet Fakki at the helm of the A.U., that strength and direction we crave will persistently evade Africa. Real shame.
Moral of the story is that we have to stop being so emotional and start using logic more . We care to much about being like and who thinks we're inferior none of that matters when you have countries that need to be developed and people that need employment. Don't take on responsibilities that you knowingly can't afford. People use people that's just how things are just make sure you're getting what you want out of it. Alot of if not most of Africa's leaders are trash, you're only as good a your leadership because thats who represents you on a global stage.
Malcolm X once said: The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses
These videos man! I am legitimately a fan now. I like the guy who voices these videos. His voice is like a butter that melts in my ears. And haven't I already told about the great scripting!!!!! As a content writer myself, I find your videos to be very inspirational. Please keep up the good work NA team.
As with any mutually beneficial relationship, you have to learn to partner with people while at the same time pursue your interests strategically. That would require the leaders to be astute, perceptive, and act with integrity.
You missed that Sri Lanka port isn't profitable that it is more of a strategic play for China in terms of defending it's own choke points. I think the average for Hambantota port was one ship a day LOL. It has no economic Value to China and they are losing money but don't care
Hard one, a lot comment dead against China, but what is the solution for African development. No matter what people say Africa needs help. China is not only helping Africa. China may even win contracts to build more nuclear power station in England. What is the solutions?
China's investment in African countries are minuscule compared to its investments in western countries . China owns over US$1.2 trillion of the US bond market and has countless billions invested in the NYC and LA real estate. The western economies are totally dependent on Chinese manufactured goods, While the Chinese military actively trains to engage US troops. Yet so-called African intellectuals are worried about a few infrastructure projects which Western countries due to their relative transparency to their citizens are unlikely to invest in without generating local outrage . There is a sizable faction of both Africans and Westerners who do not want to see African countries progress and are content to see Africa as a playground where wildlife roams free and animal life is viewed as a priority over human progress and quality of life. Thus any any attempt to modernize African countries infrastructure is attacked and paranoia is artificially generated by the usual suspects. The infrastructure barons who created the rail and electrical infrastructure the USA exploited millions of workers, stole from the government and had immoral business practices , but the USA survived and prospered. I somehow doubt that China while undoubtedly acting in wits's own interests is on a par with past exploiters
Would be very interesting to see what the Chinese people have to say about their government investing 100s of Billions of Dollars into Africa while there is still poverty in China
Well, if you know a little macroeconomics, just a little, you will know the only country that can use USD to effectly tackle domestic poverty is the US.
As in some relationships, "it is complicated" Africa needs to get it's act together and place an additional level of security on the loans. As to ensure protection and repayment. Africa needs to develop but he does not need to enslave it's citizens or future generations to do so. The Chinese punishes it's own citizens for corruption and mismanagement with death. So they don't take economic prosperity lightly maybe we should not as well
Ik weet zelf niet wat ik nou er echt uit moet halen om eerlijk te zijn. Het is nogal ambiguous. Of het wel of niet voordelig is voor China of voor de Afrikaanse landen is nogal een case by case situation naar mijn mening. De rode draad blijft wel wat hij zei dat je het pas echt kunt gaan zien op het einde hoeveel van die landen dan wel of niet hun schuld aan China terug kunnen betalen
Any work that happens on African soil must use African labour and African resources. Furthermore the employees and nations supplying these inputs must be properly compensated.
Hi Moussa, Thanks for the feedback, that has been a common complaint on this particular video and so we've lowered the sound on all subsequent videos. Please feel free to check the other videos on our channel and subscribe for all our latest releases
I see many comments here being like "Africa should rely only in africa". I wanna take someone else's comment here for a moment: "remember the counsel of King Solomon: The borrower is servant to the lender. " Not that I hold such negative views in the lending business, but let's keep it that way: you are an african country. You are poor, you need money. You MUST take a lend. So who are you gonna take it to? From China? Or from someone on Africa?. If you say Africa... well, there was this guy who was more than willing to lend money to african countries... Gaddafi. The guy that launched several military invasions to his neighborhood african countries. The guy that some saw with concern that he was trying to become the king of all africa. Don't forget, in any, in ALL lending processes, there will always be a borrower, and always be a lender. Even if both are african. This relation doesnt change. So if you are an african country, would you prefer to be in debt to a nation far away that has never launched a military invasion on an african country, or be in debt with your neighborhood whose president has spoken bad of you, his military has threatened your borders many times, and you are honestly concerned he may one day invade you?. The sad reality is that as much as I am concerned for africa's future under China's fist, it's not like trusting among themselves is a much better option.
Like Kagame said, Africans have to be willing to put in the work to pay the loans. China itself only got to where it is because of huge debts amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. It used this money given to them to grow and develop itself. And was therefore able to become as industrialised as it is, and become the superpower it soon will become. Africans should stop thinking with emotions and saying that this just "colonialism". This is just business. Albeit predatory, but it's still business. This will challenge Africans to become innovative and grow beyond the levels they are and make these projects productive. That's it. Just do what was in the deal you agreed to and accept that this the best way to get you out of poverty.
Exactly , China is not evil , the true evil is corruption , clouded judgement of colonization Africa needs to get out of poverty then they will need to sacrifice , work
Lol, don't be delusional brother.....this is politics, no one gives anything because they love you, especially when it's obvious you can't pay back....this is how the traditional rulers viewed Britain's help in the past, this is exactly how Lagos colony was formed.....it's just history repeating itself...and we are still too blinded to see it
"China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt... to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing's wishes and demands" In other words what walrus wants to do and practices in his own country
Define "Privately Owned". I am certain the definition is not the same as we use in the west. If your privately owned business can be confiscated by the government at its whim, then it is effectively owned by the government and allowed private operation.
The intentions of China are not that important if put against the intentions and will of the African countries. Those are the real concern, and the decisive factor. For all we know China wants business, and we can apply our terms and guarantee mutual benefits without losing control.
I wish it was not so, however the disrespect showed by some of the Chinese people on the ground in Africa to African people and the abuse of Africans in parts of China indicate danger ahead and the half caste chinese babies being spread around the continent is worrying indeed.
In my opinion, the outcome of the African-Chinese cooperation lays in the one thing that cannot be foreseen: how much and how willingly will the African leaders let China operate within their countries. If they will be cautious and get only the necessery funding, they will be okay. If they will go all in and leave themselves no securities in case of China's dirty moves, they will get into a very bad position. Let's be realistic, China doesn't go into Africa from goods of their heart. It want African resources, labor, specialists and money and if nothing gonna slow them down, they will take as much as they possibly can. Unfortunately, with all the respect for African people, few of the leaders in the black land is competent enough to stop them. They are mostly military leaders or empoverished monarchs, who mostly doesn't have enough of education and knowgledge necessary to play this game well.
There is a lot in here: China *does not* have a similar experience with colonialism to Africa. In China only a few harbors were under direct foreign control, sure Britain dictated trade restrictions and China wasn't sovereign. But this state is in no way comparable to African land being directly controlled by european monarchs. These projects combined with their loans is something China does all over the world in almost all developing countries. And for China this is a win-win situation: they demand that chinese companies get the contract, so it's chinese money going straight back to China and the chinese economy grows. If the countries can pay the loan, the chinese companies have proven themselves and they have a foot in the door for the next projects going to China, too. If the project fails, China not only gets strategic access to the resources but they also have (chinese built) infrastructure right there, too.
This is sad. The African continent has been enslaved economically, physically and in some case spiritually, should have a better understanding of other countries coming into their land with promise of a better political value to the world by doing business with them. Africa should not fall for the same mousetrap twice.
Let me provide some view from ourselves as Chinese, we in the history had been calling ourselves the “Center nation of the world”. We are at the center and we think we already have the best position in the world. Historically we used to defend our nations from outsider. We want to be strong to hold up what we have and that’s our main ideology as a Chinese. In the past 2 century the West had seriously invaded us and we felt humiliated. We want to be strong again so other not be able to bully us. We are not looking to invade others but we want to secure our interest in our nation. As what these meant to Africa is we have a new view in the economic recovery for us and for Africa. We had already been successful in the first step to be able to gain enough wealth and technology know how. Now China’s people are growing from lower class to middle class. We want to step up from doing basic labour work(which grow the country) to another milestone like the western did, we can’t forever providing cheap labour for Nike to make their shoe. So, naturally we shift this part to Africa where this can be opportunity to have basic manufacturing capabilities by African themselves. Since they’re really lacking in infrastructure, we must build it for them as a basic to fulfill the greater vision into the future. In my opinion, these view are solely within us as a Chinese as opposed to what the western said. It’s in the mind of we all Chinese. We love trade not war. Peace to all!
You have such an important role in RU-vid.This channel is really needed.I love these infortmative infographics which clearly explain complex and important matters.I hope this channel grows.
@@NewAfrica my personal opinion is that we can deal, trade and borrow money from china as far as the money is well managed by being invested in projects that will contribute the economy grows there is no problem in the other hand if our leaders are not careful and they mismanaged the borrowed money from China then China will take over the entire continent so it is over our leaders to play their cards well because one must admit that if the cards are well played we gonna benefit from it a lot and we have a lot to learn and gain from China like industrialisation, high techs, infrastructures and modern agriculture so as conclusion if everything goes well and smoothly it will be a Win Win thing that is the hope
Keep in mind that people aren't worried only about China's growing influence in Africa, the same attitude exists towards Chinese investment in Europe and other parts of the world. We've spent too much time allowing them to manufacture everything and this has put us all in a precarious possition.
I like this video. You very well expose the situation and end on a very positive note. I also like the fact that you agree at least on three of the steps you mentioned. What President Kigame said, as you have mentioned in the video, is correct. I would have like you to hear you ask the questions: How likely is it that African countries will not default on Chinese loan? What are the clear tangible benefits to Africa if they default? Also, what about the money borrowed? What percentage of the money actually stay in Africa? I have a better idea. Africa must develop its own industrial capacity to build its own infrastructure. That way, they will be the ground for other nations like China to stimulate their economy while leaving huge debts for Africa's children. China can certainly help Africa develop its capacity and African leaders should invite them to do so. But it must be done in a way that is clearly beneficial for both. Don't get me wrong, I am not blaming China. When investing it is natural to try to get the most return on investment as possible. In my opinion, most of the benefits go to China. Very little is left for Africa's children. In fact they, Africa's children, will have to borrow, on top of what they already owe, to maintain these infrastructures. And this will be after China has the rights to most of Africa's resources.
i thought all chinese companies have strong ties to the CCP (thanks for the suggestion, just had the most minimal amount of hope for chinese companies)
There are differences between Colonialism and Mutual agreements which I believe Africa are Sharing with China in this new Century Domination of which Powerful one can be detrimental. Thanks
You're right it'll be interesting to see not just the change of hands from the West to the East and Africa, but the change of hands from the West to the east globally. Because let's not forget this strategy is happening everywhere.
To be fair, the Chinese government has increase their influence even in Central American by building nice roads and putting in new companies. China is simply expanding their global influence I'm sure like us Americans they have a interior motive.
Of course, our Chinese enterprises go to Africa to do business, not philanthropists. I believe that what Africa needs is more industry, commerce and infrastructure, which are essential for Africa's real development.
here is my argument and problem i have with the chinese involvement on our great continent.Can we not do everything the chinese are doing throughout our continent? yes,china might be more technologically advanced than we are,but we have the manpower,intellect and resources to carry out the projects they're funding.We don't need the chinese for road,railway and property developments smh.If our African leaders stoped looting,squandering and allowing the french to suck our countries dry,we'd have substantial amounts to be able to reinvest in our countries and get all these things done smh.
How did China get so powerful as poor as they were? Not by letting foreign countries do the work but used their own people...traded well!!!! Africa can do the same or better!!! Africa...foreigners can be friends but never let them own you just as they limit you in their economies.
I hope our leaders will begin to manage our economy in a prudential way, so as to be able to pay our debts. I don’t think the Chinese have bad intentions. The problem is that our leaders are not responsible.
Kagame is right, but at the same time wrong. It's WHO China chooses to do business with that's the problem. When China chose to deal with Mugabe for instance, the result was the selling off of Zimbabwe's natural resources. If they dealt with Kagame however, the situation might've been much more beneficial for people of Rwanda, than the benefits that the people of Zimbabwe saw. The Chinese are, in other words, opportunists, so if your government is weak, you may have reasons to fear Chinese opportunism.
The key interesting difference is this: European approach: African country borrows money. Has a problem. IMF steps in and everyone suffers austerity. Chinese approach: African country borrows money. Has a problem. Country loses taxes from the resource - but the miners/resource providers still have jobs with the Chinese companies. the big difference is that in the former approach there is still a resource curse - it is just too easy for governments to keep getting their personal corrupt money flows. In the latter case, countries will be forced to focus more on their human capital - which ultimately makes countries rich.
I'm personally part of the skeptic camp. Although I believe investment is vital for growing African economies and China is unfortunately often their only option, at the same time I have seen Chinese investment rip apart my country of Zimbabwe even after it had already destroyed itself.
Coming to get resources from Africa is usually seen as stealing candy from a baby. Why do we always look for help and handouts. It’s the same script different actors.
I think you will find a very good indication of China's intentions if you look at their dealings with Cambodia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Be very careful, the Chinese always have their own interests in mind and play a long game. Look closely at the details and understand that the global economy is about to contract massively, making debts harder to pay back. Limit the number of small businesses owned by the Chinese and the total population of Chinese. Demand that Africans be employed at all levels of development projects and operational management of finished projects. Demand 51% ownership, maintain control of your strategic assets and resources. Africa is for Africans, protect your lands, resources, cultures and people. Africans need to work together and lift the entire continent up. Don't let anyone play you off each other any more. Leave the competition for the football pitch. May Africa enjoy peace and prosperity at last ! - a friend in California
Wow, a truly unbiased and nuanced take on this very complex question! Nice job giving such a balanced presentation of the facts on the issue! Personally, I think China comes from a place that the west does not - former poverty now success, which allows it to connect with Africa on that level. I believe that some irresponsible African governments will have to resort to providing collateral in the form of resources/land/infrastructure. But I believe that for the most part, Africans will benefit from this. It’s a shame that the US isn’t doing a better job of connecting with Africa and giving China a run for its money with similar terms and conditions on the loans and projects. It would be great to see an office of the US government set up, with leadership comprised of African-Americans, who can connect with the leaders of Africa on a deeper level and increase American investments in Africa as well.
investments arent exploitation , especially when they come with so little cost for the hosting country. The Aswan dam planned and financed from USSR was and still is the most important investment carried in Egypt no matter who carried it out and under what intentions.
Sure China has it's own interests in mind. I mean that's obvious. But in my book they are better than the west because at least they are building things, instead of destroying them. And let's not forget that China needs markets to keep growing itself and China's demographics is getting older because of the one child policy. So they need both workers for their firms and consumers for their products. It's really a win-win for China. If the African countries pay back the debt and become developed, it's a win for China. And if they default and China gets strategic ports and stuff, that's also a win for China. For Africa it's a win-lose situation based on whether they can repay the debt or not. So it's up to them. The west should be ashamed of itself for criticizing China, when in so many decades, it itself hasn't been able to help Africa.
@@hugoadriansantosanchez6907 My guess is the backlash from true systemic racism towards black people in China and nationals from all African countries. The CCP also tried saying the virus came from Africa to shift the blame. Nice friends.
Remember watching a video in which Nigerian and Chinese politicians agreed on terms and signed a big check in a meeting narrated entirely in Mandarin... I understand some regions are desperate for investment, but news like this highlights the greed that will later be masked as naivete of most African politicians
The whole debt trap diplomacy argument really rustles my jimmies. I see massive gaping holes in it, and can't help but internally label those who seriously tout it as members of the great swarm of diehard sinophobe drones, unresponsive to reason on this topic. It is up to the authorities and occasionally the people in African nations to decide whether or not a deal is beneficial to them. The offering of a deal presents an increase in choice, which is always a good thing, even if a deal is deemed bad. To deny African nations the choice of a deal is paternalistic, and often reeks of that ingrained superiority complex of the historical colonial powers. An adult is someone with the freedom to make bad decisions that cause him harm, so it is with nations. If a deal turns out to be lossmaking and indebting, that debt has to be repaid, be it in the form of a port, money or whatever else, insofar as the African country is regarded as a normal sovereign state taking part in international trade, and not the lucky recipient of the charity, benevolence and mollycoddling of a richer state. Until chinese agents start assassinating African heads of state, causing coup d'etat's in general (hey that sounds familiar) or directly making decisions for African governments at no price, they cannot be seriously called colonialists by the intellectually honest. As for deals that are designed to be in the CCP's or a chinese company's favour (which naturally should be all of them. If you didn't pause after reading that sentence, I'd humbly suggest rethinking your opinion on this matter, hopefully even you now see the sinophobic bent in your opinions), one should expect some of them to be truly exploitative. Given the sheer number of chinese parties proposing deals, it is a statistical guarantee that some of them have ill intentions. It is again up to the people to bring a discerning government to bear. If that doesn't come about, then they're doomed to be exploited anyway, be it by a chinese or western company. All this to say that while I have my fair share of negative opinions about china, very strongly in the domain of free speech for example, I am frankly scared to death by the massive influx of yellow peril-esque opinions on the internet, and the possible consequences of this more so than any consequence of present day china's actions reasonably extrapolated. A basic component of nuanced opinion is the absence of one visceral, dominant sentiment about something.
History is definitely repeating itself, I’ve witness the Chinese influence in Angola, and seeing billboards in Mandarin, I immediately got bad vibes from it but with the old school presidents we have, it’ll be too late before we can stop it
